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Saturday, July 9, 2011

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Kingston Wi-Drive wireless storage for iOS review (video)

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 11:15 AM PDT


With nearly 350,000 apps and counting, the iPhone's maximum capacity of 32GB doesn't allow you to even scratch the surface of the App Store's catalog. Throw in an HD movie, some TV episodes, hundreds of tracks and a few thousand photos, and you'll be chewing through those available bytes in no time. Most manufacturers compensate this limitation by including a microSD slot for additional storage, but not Apple -- you're stuck with that original capacity until you're ready to upgrade to a new device. Luckily, for those who need more storage now and don't mind paying for it, AirStash, Seagate's GoFlex Satellite, and now Kingston's ultra-slim Wi-Drive allow you to boost gigs without upgrading, or switching to another platform. None of these pocket servers come without compromise, however -- you'll be spending over $100 for even the most basic option, while adding yet another device to your portable mix.
Kingston Wi-Drive iOS Media Server Review

Shipping by July 25th, the Kingston Wi-Drive is the latest entry to this budding category. The MiFi-sized device streams files over WiFi to as many as three iOS devices. The Wi-Drive works in conjunction with a free app and costs $130 for 16GB of storage and $175 for 32GB, which means it's not more cost-effective than, say, buying a higher-capacity smartphone or tablet from the get-go. But if you need to boost capacity and can't upgrade your device, or have maxed out its internal storage and are unwilling to unload some content, then you're probably a good candidate for the Wi-Drive. It could also be a good fit for a family of iOS users looking to share movies in the car or on a plane (some airlines technically forbid wireless devices in-flight, so use at your own risk). Right now, you need an iOS device and free app to use the server, though Kingston hinted that it's looking into adding an Android app in the future.

Hardware



From the second you lift the lid on its iPhone-like packaging, it's clear that Kingston took cues from Apple's latest smartphone during the design process. It's about one-half inch taller than the iPhone 4 -- and just as thick. The glossy black device sports a minimalist appearance, with just a single power button and a mini USB port -- a curious choice considering a micro-USB connector would have allowed for a more svelte appearance. The drive even sports a full-length silver band along its bottom and sides, just like the iPhone 4. Our sample remained scratch-free after a few days of testing, but a pre-production model we saw during a brief hands-on last month looked like it had gotten in a bar fight with the AirStash. Regardless, you'll be connecting to the Wi-Drive over WiFi, so it should be out of sight most of the time. On that note, the drive is lightweight and slim enough to slide comfortably into a front pocket. And it shouldn't singe your jeans either -- it only gets slightly warm after two hours of continuous use.

Continuing our tour, there are two subtle LED indicators on the top right -- one representing internet connectivity, and a second for wireless activity. On the right side you'll find the tiny power button, that also glows green when on. But it's unfortunately very difficult to press, even leaving a temporary mark on our thumbs after turning on the device (tip: press with the tip of your nail instead).



User interface

Adding content to the Wi-Drive couldn't be easier. Connect the server to your Mac or Windows machine using the included mini USB cable, and it will pop up as a USB drive, allowing you to simply drag and drop compatible files. Compatibility is limited to files that can play natively on iOS, so some video types won't work. Basically, if you can drop it into iTunes to load onto your device, or access via email or the web, then you shouldn't have any issue viewing it through the Wi-Drive app.
Kingston Wi-Drive iOS Media Server Screenshots

With only a power button on the Wi-Drive itself, all settings need to be adjusted in the app. The application is very straightforward -- if you know how to launch a video or song stored on your iOS device, then you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out how to play content from the Wi-Drive. The settings menu isn't as polished as some of the other screens in the early version of the app that we tested, but you can probably expect an update prior to launch later this month. Video and audio playback screens look virtually identical to their Apple-designed native counterparts, with play, pause, volume, and scrubbing controls available during playback. Tapping the display will bring up the controls, or send them to the background. You can also double-tap a video to maximize it, on both the iPhone and iPad.

Connectivity

After waiting 30 seconds for it to boot up, the 802.11n Wi-Drive will appear on your networks list. Simply select the device and launch the Wi-Drive app. After the initial connection, you'll be able to access a settings page, where you can change the name of your wireless network and set a WPA or WEP security key. And what about connecting to the internet when your iOS device's WiFi is set to Wi-Drive? Luckily, Kingston didn't overlook this issue, and included a WiFi passthrough option. Once you're synced up with the drive, head over to the settings page to select the same hotspot you usually tap for wireless internet. This adds a few more steps to the process, and obviously isn't ideal when moving around since you'll need to dig through several menu levels to choose a new network, but it is a decent workaround nonetheless.

Unfortunately, we experienced slower connectivity speeds when connected through the Wi-Drive, rather than directly to a high-speed hotspot -- you'll be fine checking email and even streaming HD video, but there was definitely a significant difference (see image below). We were also able to connect a Nexus S 4G to the Wi-Drive to access its WiFi connection, though without an Android app available for content playback, there's really no reason for you to do this yourself.



Performance

Kingston hasn't rated the wireless range -- you'll likely spend most of your time within a few feet of the Wi-Drive, anyway -- though we were able to access the device and play content at a line-of-sight distance of about 100 feet. Load speeds were significantly longer at that distance, and content paused a few seconds after walking outside of WiFi range, so it's safe to say that Kingston added a buffer of several seconds to maintain consistent playback. When within a few feet of the server, videos loaded within five seconds after making a selection, and refreshed after scrubbing within a second or two. We were able to play a DVD-rip of The Green Hornet on both an iPhone and iPad simultaneously without hiccup, though you should be able to stream content to up to three iOS devices.



We did notice some bugs during extended playback, which will likely be addressed before release. The position slider and remaining time indicator froze after about 20 minutes of playback on several occasions, and we weren't able to resume video playback after disconnecting from the drive. Jumping back to the content list, reselecting content, and scrubbing ahead to our previous location was the only solution that seemed to work -- obviously not ideal.

The Wi-Drive's non-removable battery is rated for four hours of playback, but we were actually able to stream a movie for four hours and 20 minutes, at a range of one foot, and connected to only one device. As you start adding more devices, longevity will likely decrease, but we were pleased with the battery's performance during our test. Also note that streaming video over WiFi will likely also affect battery life on your playback device.

The competition

While it's the most attractive of the bunch and offers generally consistent performance, the Wi-Drive isn't your only option when it comes to portable media servers. If you're looking for much, much more storage, but don't mind compromising on size, Seagate's GoFlex Satellite portable hard drive gives you 500GB of storage for $200, and it's compatible with iOS as well as Anrdoid, through a web app (though we did experience some issues with video playback during our review). For a more bare-bones solution, the AirStash pairs with SD cards to boost your device with up to 32GB of additional, removable, swappable storage. Even with a $100 price tag, you'll still need to bring your own storage, so after adding a 32GB card you'll be approaching the Wi-Drive's $175 sticker price. There's also a new server from Hitachi called G-Connect, though we haven't had a chance to go hands-on with the $200 device just yet.

Wrap-up

Due to both price and storage limitations, the Kingston Wi-Drive will act as a crutch for most users when it ships on July 25th, providing a temporary storage boost just until you're ready to upgrade to a new device. If you're thinking about shelling out well over $100 just to increase your iOS storage, chances are you're going to opt for a higher-capacity model the next time around, leaving your Wi-Drive to sit around and collect dust. The device is a reasonable solution for Kingston, a flash memory manufacturer that appears to be looking for some way, however obscure, to enter the iOS accessory market. Ultimately, we feel that, while a well-designed product that works fairly well, the Wi-Drive has limited appeal. If you need more storage, and need it now, then it's worth your while to consider the Wi-Drive or one of its competitors, but if you don't fall within that camp, then you're best off saving your cash, eventually opting for a higher-capacity iOS device the next time around.

Nike+ GPS social update may make people run from your Twitter, Facebook accounts

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Nike this week rolled out updates to its Nike+ GPS app, including bug fixes and an auto-calibration feature, which should help improve the accuracy of your run. Also on-board are social features, which push running updates to Facebook and Twitter. The tweets / posts can thankfully be edited before being sent out into the world, but we'd recommend using a bit of discretion before loading up your feeds with the minutiae of your latest workout. The updated app can be downloaded now for $2 from iTunes.

Crescent's Immersive Digital Entertainment VR: it's like a Virtual Boy that you wear

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 07:03 AM PDT

From what we've gathered in the video just below the break, the graphical capabilities aren't terribly impressive on Crescent's Immersive Digital Entertainment VR system, but really -- who cares? It's a motion gaming solution... that you wear. On your head. When placed in the proper scenario, it gives gamers a full 360 degree space to interact in, with an array of HD motion capture cameras making the virtual reality that much less virtual (and in turn, that much more reality). Hard to say if this thing will ever have a life in the commercial realm, but yeah, we'd buy one.

Pioneer's SE-CL331 earbuds are just begging to be washed

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 03:49 AM PDT

The first-ever earbuds designed to be drenched they aren't, but they just might be one of the first to actually be "washable." Sure enough, Pioneer's new SE-CL331 headphones ($59.99) -- available in white, pink and bright blue hues -- can reportedly be "soaked and washed after every sports session without damaging sensitive electronic equipment." Furthermore, they boast a newfangled ear holder that keeps 'em in place while your body's in motion, and there's a two-layer mesh and rubber ring that'll prevent water from seeping in while submerged up to one meter of goop. The built-in 9mm drivers probably won't live up to Westone standards, but then again, you can't exactly take your ES5s into the kiddie pool.

Joseph Holmes photographs punctilious texters in NYC, encourages you to have a peek

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 01:22 AM PDT

Have you ever texted? Have you ever been photographed while texting? Were you in the vicinity of New York City, USA? If so, you may be one of the crowd in Joseph Holmes' newest art composition, as the self-proclaimed professional now has a growing library of individuals who seem to be shockingly focused on whatever they're texting. The gallery is quite simply called "Texters," and he shot 'em over a two month period and whittled that group down to just 26 amazing, wondrous panels of pixels. Hit the source to see 'em all, and yes, it's cool be inspired.

Verizon pushes latest Thunderbolt update: solves reboot issues, kills free mobile hotspot

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 11:04 PM PDT

Don't act like Verizon didn't warn you: for Thunderbolt owners who see an available software update pop up on their phone this evening, they'll be placed squarely between a rock and a towering boulder. Why? On one hand, the Froyo OTA update promises to nix random reboots, improve data connectivity and fix the Bluetooth Discovery Mode pop-up windows. On the other, it adds a helping of bloatware (V CAST Music, V CAST Videos and My Verizon) while also killing the lust-worthy free mobile hotspot feature. Not like the carrier ever said it'd be any different come early July, but it's certainly a case of picking your poison here. If your T-bolt seems to be humming along just fine, we'd probably avoid the urge to update to the latest build. If it's rebooting as we speak, well... good luck pulling that trigger.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Nokia Perks leaked, ready to take on Groupon (video)

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 10:23 PM PDT

Nokia Perks
If you're looking to score deals and discounts online you've got plenty of choices -- Groupon, LivingSocial, GiltCity, Google Offers -- and yet, Nokia seems to think the world needs one more such service. The sleuths over at ZOMGitsCj spotted a video on Vimeo from the struggling handset maker (since removed) introducing Nokia Perks. The premise is pretty simple -- pop over to perks.nokia.com (currently offline), browse for deals and coupons, and click save on any you care to cash in. The discounts you pick are automatically sent to your phone and, just like Groupon, all you need to do is show the barcode to the register jockey. As a nice added touch, Perks also pops up directions to the store in the mapping app. For those who prefer motion visuals, a vid's hosted up after the break.

[Thanks, Oliver]

Electronic Instant Camera at least gets the 'electronic' and 'camera' parts right (video)

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 10:00 PM PDT

It's hard to imagine in this era of instant electronic gratification, but patience used to be a virtue, and sitting still for three or so minutes while a magic box printed up an image of our likenesses probably didn't seem like all that much of a chore. Niklas Roy, who gave the world a set of robotic curtains last year, is offering up the arguably mistitled Electronic Instant Camera, a throwback to those days, requiring its subjects to sit still as it prints their black and white image onto receipt paper. Due to its paltry internal storage (1KB), the camera can only remember a single line at a time, dumping the previous as it captures the next. Perhaps you can use the time it takes to get through a shot for a little self-reflection -- or you can just watch a YouTube video, like the one after the break.

Kinect app promises you'll wear flowery skirts, and you'll like it (video)

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 08:46 PM PDT

Don't be shy now: which of you doesn't love raiding your mother's closet and trying on her paisley dresses and velour tracksuits? That's more or less the idea behind Virtual Dressing Room, a Kinect program that taps into the clandestine thrill of sneaking into other people's boudoirs. Unlike some other shopping hacks we've seen, the app goes beyond just pilling on 2D pieces, but uses 3D models so that the items mold to your limbs, with the shadows and creases in the virtual fabric changing as you preen for the camera. That all comes courtesy of a special physics engine, while the app itself was written in C# along with Microsoft's XNA tools. Arbuzz, the group that dreamed this up, says the project's still a work in progress, though we can see this, too, being used to relieve those of who are allergic to shopping malls. Until then, you'll just have to settle for watching some other guy work a knee-length skirt.

Sony MiniDisc Walkman to stop spinning in September (video)

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 07:25 PM PDT


Aside from with a handful of stateside early adopters (and a few million others in Japan) eager to embrace any new technology, Sony's rather extensive line of MiniDisc Walkmans never had a chance to dominate the portable audio market. But for one reason or another, the company kept up production of the optical player / recorder combos for nearly 20 years, after the first Sony MZ1 launched in Japan in September of '92. With a countless selection of more affordable solid-state alternatives available today, however, it's certainly not shocking to see good ole MD go the way of the laserdisc and the cassette. Now, only one question remains: How long until we see the compact disc suffer a similar fate?

Turtle Beach Xbox Chat Adapter gets the hands-on treatment, admirably untethers talkative gamers

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 06:32 PM PDT

Turtle Beach Xbox Chat Adapter
Back at E3, Turtle Beach unveiled its wire-ridding Xbox 360 Bluetooth Chat Adapter bundled with its XP500 headset (a re-badged PX5), but there were no accounts of how the dongle performed. That's now changed thanks to Joystiq, who've gotten their lucky mitts on one of ten prototypes. Spoiler: they're really enjoying the little guy. Voice quality was reported as being "excellent" and the device easily paired with headsets. There's no annoying charging cable required either as the XBA juices off the controller, but only time will tell how that impacts battery life. The big quirk critics found was that its single button, which operates as a muting / pairing and on / off switch, was oft-engaged accidentally -- obviously not ideal for newb trash-talking. Sure, it's not totally seamless like Tritton's official digs, but Xbox aficionados should certainly be stoked about soon having options to ditch those chat cables for good.

Spotify may launch next week in US, finally stop crushing hopes and dreams

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 05:47 PM PDT

Spotify
After countless teases and broken dreams, Spotify finally seems about ready to launch here in the US. Earlier this week the streaming media service debuted a landing page for hopeful American customers and the company has agreements in place to allow streaming from Universal Music Group, Sony Music and EMI. According to insiders in touch with the Wall Street Journal, Europe's favorite subscription music program will finally be opening its doors to those draped in the red, white, and blue next week. Of course, none of this is confirmed and, with plenty of others having a chance to enter the market, it's unclear if Spotify's thunder has been stolen before it could even lift the digital gates.

Dell Peju tablet leaked, docking station and all (video)

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 05:01 PM PDT

Well, well -- what have we here? If you'll recall, we heard that Dell was scheming to one-up its own Streak line with a so-called Peju introduction sometime in 2011. Looks like we're drawing ever closer. Dell Peju Insider unsurprisingly has a boatload of internal documents showcasing the newfangled device, and if the specifications actually stick, we're looking at quite the performer. It'll purportedly ship with a 10.1-inch panel, front and rear-facing cameras, a slab of Gorilla Glass across the front and a homegrown docking station that provides a trio of USB ports, a gigabit Ethernet jack, HDMI output and audio port. We aren't so certain it'll ship with a Core i5 and Windows 8 compatibility, but those who'd rather throw caution to the wind can dive in just after the break.

Space shuttle's final voyage will include recycling urine into sports drink, crafting hilarious brand name

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 03:41 PM PDT

Just because the space shuttle Atlantis is on its final mission, that doesn't mean NASA's run out of cool experiments. Its latest example? A shiny silver bag -- consciously inspired by the "stillsuits" from Frank Herbert's sci-fi classic, Dune -- that turns astronaut urine into potable drinking water. It's been done, you say? Sure, but the earlier tech relied on electricity: a precious commodity aboard the International Space Station. The Forward Osmosis Bag requires no outside power source, relying on, you guessed it, forward osmosis to produce clean, filtered water. Not only that, but the resulting water mixes with a sugary solution to make a electrolyte-rich sports drink. On Earth this process takes four to six hours, but Atlantis astronauts will test its viability in space near the end of their mission. For an extensive on-planet demonstration, see the video after the break.

Unofficial Swype port makes its way to iOS, slides in via Jailbreak radar

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 02:36 PM PDT

Swype Did you finally use JailbreakMe to free your iPhone? Well, if you're also sick of pecking at its virtual keyboard, then Andrew Liu's new Swype iOS port may pique your interest. Although the app's still in the earliest of stages -- version 0.1.0, to be exact -- we can confirm it works, but it did take us two downloads via a repo with Cydia and functionality proved limited. We were able to swipe words in pre-loaded apps like Messaging, Mail and Search, but had no luck with Safari or others we've downloaded. Furthermore, Swype's all-important blue trace-line is absent, and our words didn't always come out as expected. Liu stated on Twitter that the current release is still a beta and that he'll be sprucing it up soon; in the meantime, let us know how your swipe-typing goes in the comments if you choose to install it.

Update: Looks like the newest beta includes the aforesaid blue line, and accuracy is said to be improved by some degree.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Verizon: unlimited 3G customers can upgrade to 4G, keep data pack and grab $30 tethering

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:49 PM PDT

Good Great news for those who managed to snag one of Verizon Wireless' unlimited data plans before they took off into the night earlier this week: if you're rocking a 3G smartphone, you can eventually upgrade to an LTE handset, keep the unlimited plan, and have access to a $30 / month 4G tethering plan. That's according to VZW's official Support account on Twitter, and it's decidedly lovely news for those who were concerned that they'd be locked into EV-DO forever. So, anyone had any luck taking Big Red up on its offer?

BlackBerry PlayBook gets arrested, finds itself toggling light bars in a police car (video)

Posted: 08 Jul 2011 01:27 PM PDT

Look, there's no question that Canada looks out for its own, but if you reckoned that it also let everything slide... well, think again. One D&R Electronics has apparently thrown a BlackBerry PlayBook into a Canadian Dodge Charger, signified by a red maple leaf and the oh-so-distinct use of the word "ayeouuut." Put simply, the 7-inch slate has been coded up to flip on the overhead / side lights, search police databases for names and faces, accept commands wirelessly from an in-car keyboard, and even be fully detachable for those times with mobility is of the utmost importance. You know, like playing Angry Birds while waiting in line to cross the border. Head on past the break to have a look, won't you?

[Thanks, Dan]

at 11:55 AM

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